Agonis flexuosa (Peppermint Tree) - A small to medium (25-35 feet tall), fast-growing evergreen tree for mild winter regions. It has drooping willow-like, long dark green leaves that have a distinct peppermint aroma when crushed and clusters of small white flowers with pink petal bases that appear in May to June. Perfect choice for street, specimen or as a lawn tree. Plant in full sun to light shade in a well-drained soil with regular to occasional watering - moderately drought tolerant along the coast once established but is more lush with occasional deep irrigation. Tolerates windy coastal conditions This tree is noted as not being tolerant of temperatures below 28 ° F but there are well established trees in locations in the Santa Barbara area that get occasional winter temperatures to below 23 ° F. Research on Western Australian plants has also shown this species to have some resitance to the Cinnamon Root fungus (Phythopthora cinnamomi). This plant comes from a strip just inland from the coast in Western Australia from north of Perth south through the Swan Coastal Plain, then along the southern coast to near Fitzgerald River National Park. There are several interpretations for how the name Agonis is derived. One interpretation is that the genus is named from the Greek word 'agonos' which is a combination of 'a' for "not" and 'gonia' for "angle" meaning "without angles" in reference to soft drooping branches of some species while others believe it is from the Greek word 'agon' meaning "a gathering" or "a cluster" in reference to the arrangement of the fruit. The specific epithet comes from the Latin word 'flexuos' meaning "bending" or "curvy" in reference to the way the branches arch gracefully. Other common names include Pepermint Willow, Western Australian Peppermint, Swan River Peppermint and Willow Myrtle. Some call this 'Australian Willow' but this name is usually reserved for the somewhat similar looking Geijera parviflora.
This description is based on our research and observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We will also incorporate comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information about this plant, in particular if this information is contrary to what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Agonis flexuosa.